For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
鈥� In USA, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose by 10.284% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger construction demand.
鈥� The average Chequered Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 5279.67/MT amid seasonal restocking activity.
鈥� Export slowdowns contrasted with domestic restarts, limiting upside for the Chequered Plate Spot Price regionally.
鈥� Scheduled mill maintenance supported tighter supplies, informing the Chequered Plate Price Forecast for the quarter.
鈥� Rising scrap and energy costs elevated the Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend, reducing industry margins.
鈥� Improved public infrastructure spending brightened the Chequered Plate Demand Outlook, increasing procurement from service centers.
鈥� Higher inland freight rates and logistical constraints sustained the Chequered Plate Price Index regionally modestly.
鈥� Several large fabricators increased procurement, improving order visibility and reducing inventories at service centers regionally.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in September 2025 in North America?
鈥� Stronger construction and fabrication activity increased immediate demand, tightening near-term availability and supporting higher prices.
鈥� Scheduled mill maintenance tightened supply, limiting spot offers and prompting higher regional bid levels consistently.
鈥� Rising scrap and energy costs increased production expenses, prompting mills to pass through higher prices.
APAC
鈥� In China, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose by 3.05% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, tight supply.
鈥� The average Chequered Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2026.00/MT, reflecting stable domestic transactions.
鈥� Chequered Plate Spot Price strengthened on reduced mill runs and improved regional orders, supporting price stability.
鈥� Chequered Plate Price Forecast indicates upside risk as export demand recovers and mill utilisation rates improve.
鈥� Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend remains pressured by higher energy and scrap costs, compressing mill margins.
鈥� Chequered Plate Demand Outlook supported by infrastructure and construction seasonality, though residential project delays temper consumption.
鈥� Chequered Plate Price Index shows gradual firming as export enquiries strengthen and domestic inventory drawdowns continue.
鈥� Domestic inventories tightened at major ports while downstream mill restarts and export margins supported shipment volumes.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in September 2025 in APAC?
鈥� Mills maintenance reduced available supply while construction demand seasonally increased, tightening market balance and lifting prices.
鈥� Higher scrap and energy costs increased production expenses, exerting upward pressure on mill offers and margins.
鈥� Improved shipping availability and competitive export margins encouraged shipments, reducing domestic surplus and supporting price recovery.
Europe
鈥� In Germany, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose by 0.84% quarter-over-quarter, underpinned by firmer domestic steel demand.
鈥� The average Chequered Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3730/MT, supporting steady mill margins.
鈥� Chequered Plate Spot Price firmed as mill delivery schedules tightened, supporting the regional Price Index.
鈥� Chequered Plate Price Forecast indicates limited upside near term amid domestic demand and export competition.
鈥� Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend pressured by elevated stainless scrap and energy costs across mills.
鈥� Chequered Plate Demand Outlook remains constructive for construction and repair segments, supporting near-term order flow.
鈥� Chequered Plate Price Index benefited from reduced export cancellations and steadier domestic procurement schedules recently.
鈥� Chequered Plate inventories tightened at service centers, constraining offers and informing the short-term Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in September 2025 in Europe?
鈥� Supply tightness from scheduled mill maintenance reduced near-term availability, tightening local balances and firming offers.
鈥� Elevated stainless scrap and higher energy costs increased production expenses, limiting downward pressure on prices.
鈥� Improved construction procurement, export demand lifted orders despite longer port lead times and logistical friction.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, North America's chequered plate market reflected a dynamic blend of economic adjustments, trade policies, and shifting demand trends, particularly driven by developments in the United States. Despite global uncertainties, the region-maintained manufacturing resilience and stable logistics, with policy changes contributing to supply chain recalibration.
In the U.S., chequered plate prices increased 0.9% quarter-on-quarter, closing at USD 4768/mt FOB Texas. January witnessed a 0.5% dip due to policy uncertainty and weakened downstream demand, particularly as automotive sales declined 25.5%. Despite tariff proposals on imports, their delayed enforcement limited short-term impacts. Mid-quarter brought price stabilization as balanced supply and modest demand offset global pressures. Manufacturing remained consistent, with capacity utilization at 74.4%, supported by ample raw material supply and manageable weather conditions. In March, a monthly price surge occurred, driven by rising nickel costs, production challenges, and strong automotive demand across North America.听
Anticipatory buying ahead of tariff implementations further tightened supply-demand conditions. This quarter鈥檚 performance underscores the market's adaptability amidst fluctuating economic and policy landscapes.
Europe
In Europe, the chequered plate market in Q1 2025 experienced a mixed trajectory, shaped by a complex interplay of supply-side stability, demand fluctuations, and broader economic shifts. The continent's industrial landscape benefited from resilient output and relatively stable logistics, but weaker export performance and cautious sentiment restrained significant growth. In Germany, the quarter began with a modest price decline in January amid weak downstream demand, particularly from the construction and automotive sectors. Despite steady raw material availability and improved industrial output, cautious investor behavior and faltering export sales weighed on sentiment. February followed with another drop, driven by volatile nickel prices and weak international demand, especially from the UK and Canada. Nonetheless, steady supply and contained logistical disruptions prevented deeper market setbacks. In March, however, prices rebounded due to tightening supply and rising demand from India, the UK, and Canada, alongside cost pressures from rising nickel prices and import tariffs. Overall, Germany's chequered plate market closed Q1 with a 2.2% QoQ price decrease at USD 4768/mt FOB Texas, reflecting an overall recovery following mid-quarter decrease.
APAC
The APAC region witnessed a steady upward trajectory in the chequered plate market during Q1 2025, with robust recovery momentum observed across key sectors such as construction, automotive, and infrastructure. While price trends varied across countries, China stood out as a major influencer due to its extensive industrial base and export orientation. In China, prices of chequered plates showed a steady increase throughout the quarter, ending at USD 4768/mt Ex Tangshan. However, when compared to Q4 2024, prices declined 1.8% QoQ in Q1 2025. January saw a brief dip due to the Lunar New Year-induced manufacturing slowdown and subdued demand. In February, a rise followed, underpinned by gradual recovery in downstream sectors and export support. By March, prices surged month-on-month, driven by firm nickel costs, government-led infrastructure stimulus, and a sharp rebound in construction and automotive demand. Despite supply constraints from maintenance shutdowns and elevated freight costs, strong domestic and export demand sustained market tightness, marking a bullish close to the quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America听
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Chequered Plate prices in North America declined by 2.2% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting a softening market. Supply remained stable across the region, supported by steady production levels. However, high raw material costs, including pig iron and scrap metal, and weak demand from key sectors contributed to the downward price trend. By the end of the quarter, the price of SS Chequered Plate (6 mm) FOB Texas (USA) stood at USD 4525/MT.
In the United States, the chequered plate market faced mixed dynamics. Early in the quarter, reduced steel production and logistical challenges, including hurricanes, impacted supply chains. Despite these pressures, local manufacturers maintained stable production levels, supported by anti-dumping duties on low-cost imports. The automotive sector showed robust demand, with vehicle sales rising significantly both month-over-month and year-over-year, driving demand for chequered plates in applications such as vehicle flooring and loading ramps. However, the construction sector experienced seasonal slowdowns, with elevated mortgage rates dampening residential activity and buyer interest. Non-residential construction spending remained steady, providing some support to demand.
Overall, the U.S. chequered plate market balanced supply and demand challenges with growth in automotive applications, maintaining stability despite broader economic uncertainties and a weaker construction sector.
贰耻谤辞辫别听
Chequered Plate prices in Europe declined by 3% quarter-on-quarter, in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting subdued market conditions. While raw material supplies remained steady, weak demand across key sectors weighed heavily on pricing. Persistent oversupply and fluctuating nickel markets further strained the region's steel industry, limiting pricing power for suppliers. By the end of the quarter, the price of SS Chequered Plate (304-5mm) FOB Hamburg stood at USD 3748/MT. In Germany, the downturn was driven by challenges in the construction and automotive industries. The construction sector faced sharp contractions in activity, with housing approvals plummeting and incoming orders decreasing. Although costs for procurement and subcontractors eased, overall sentiment in the sector remained negative. The automotive industry, despite a modest increase in new car registrations early in the quarter, witnessed a significant decline in production and registrations by year-end. Lower alloy surcharges and heightened competition exacerbated the challenges for suppliers, while rising production levels failed to address the oversupply issue. Seasonal slowdowns and subdued downstream demand added further pressure. These factors collectively contributed to the decline in Chequered Plate prices, reflecting the broader economic and industrial struggles in Germany during this period.
APAC
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the chequered plate market in the APAC region witnessed a 5% quarter-on-quarter price decline, driven by subdued demand and fluctuating supply dynamics. The region's stainless-steel production saw moderate growth, with consistent raw material availability, but price pressures persisted due to reduced purchasing activity across key sectors. In China, the chequered plate market experienced significant challenges throughout the quarter. Despite a steady increase in manufacturing activity, indicated by the NBS Manufacturing PMI by the end of the quarter, demand for chequered plates remained muted. Downstream industries limited purchases to essential needs, as surplus inventory and seasonal slowdowns in construction weakened overall demand. Cooler temperatures further dampened construction activity in northern regions, while real estate investment and sales continued to decline, exacerbating market pressures. Automotive production provided some support, with passenger car sales increasing 12% year-on-year. However, this growth did not translate into higher demand for chequered plates due to disconnects between production and material requirements. Falling raw material costs, including Nickel Pig Iron and ferrochrome, compounded pricing pressures. By the end of the quarter, the price of SS Chequered Plate (304-6 mm) FOB Tianjin stood at USD 1879/MT, reflecting subdued market conditions and cautious sentiment in China's chequered plate market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American region witnessed a challenging period for Chequered Plate pricing, marked by a consistent decline in market prices. Several significant factors influenced this downward trend. The manufacturing sector faced contraction, with a notable decrease in new orders impacting demand for Chequered Plate. Furthermore, the construction industry experienced challenges such as reduced backlogs, negative contractor confidence, and postponed projects due to high borrowing costs and increased delivery expenses. These factors contributed to a low demand environment, leading to moderate supply conditions in the market.听
Within the USA, which saw the most significant price changes, the Chequered Plate market reflected overall negative trends. The correlation between nickel and iron markets played a crucial role, with challenges stemming from elevated LME nickel inventory levels and sluggish demand from downstream industries. The manufacturing sector's growth rate decreased due to a drop in new orders, while the automotive sector experienced a decline in sales, further impacting demand for Chequered Plate.听
Overall, the quarter exhibited a consistent decrease in prices, with a 1% decrease from the previous quarter in 2024. The comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed a slight decline of -1%. The quarter closed with the price of USD 4549/MT for SS Chequered Plate (6 mm) DEL Texas in the USA, reflecting the prevailing negative pricing sentiment in the market.
APAC
In the APAC region for Q3 2024, the Chequered Plate market witnessed a significant downturn, marked by a host of compelling factors. The prevailing market conditions were heavily influenced by an oversupply of steel products, exacerbated by weakened demand across various industries such as construction and automotive. Uncertainties in global economic trends, coupled with subdued manufacturing activities, added to the downward pressure on prices. The suspension of steel capacity replacement programs in China contributed to a cautious approach in managing industry dynamics, impacting supply levels. Seasonal factors like extreme weather conditions further hampered market demand, creating a challenging environment for Chequered Plate pricing.
Specifically focusing on China, the market experienced notable price fluctuations, reflecting a bearish sentiment. The price decline of 10% from the previous quarter underscored the challenging landscape for Chequered plate. This negative trend continued with a 4% drop in prices between the first and second half of the quarter, highlighting the persistent downward trajectory. The quarter-ending price of USD 1956/MT for SS Chequered Plate (304-6 mm) Ex Tangshan in China epitomizes the overall decreasing pricing sentiment in the region.听
Europe
In Q3 2024, the pricing environment for Chequered Plate in Europe remained stable, influenced by various factors. Fluctuations in raw material costs, particularly nickel, and supply chain disruptions due to extended summer maintenance closures played a significant role. Germany, experiencing the most significant price changes, saw a delicate balance between supply and demand. The market faced challenges from a struggling manufacturing sector, impacting demand dynamics. It's worth mentioning that the prices of scrap materials have remained consistent in recent times, offering manufacturers a degree of respite concerning their production expenses. Despite moderate supply levels, the automotive industry's growth, especially in electric vehicles, and a resurgence in construction activities provided stability for the market. Seasonal trends and correlation in price changes were notable, with a recorded 3% increase from the previous quarter but no change between the first and second half of the quarter. The quarter-ending price for SS Chequered Plate (304-5mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany stood at USD 3870/MT, reflecting the overall stable pricing sentiment in the region.听
